'Evil' Corrupts Craigslist's Good Intent: Founder

Real-world cops with computers tracked real-world cybercrime

(NEWSER) - Accused Craigslist killer Philip Markoff’s alleged crimes and capture were so tied to the Internet that a “new kind of murder” has been born, writes Maureen Orth in Vanity Fair. Not only did Markoff allegedly find victim Julissa Brisman on Craigslist, but before the meeting that Boston police say led to her death, they communicated only by email. And investigators’ identification of a suspect worked the same way, with a little help from Microsoft. More»

There's ample evidence: prosecutor

(NEWSER) - Accused Craigslist killer Philip Markoff has been formally charged with murdering 26-year-old Julissa Brisman, the Boston Globe reports. The former med student is being arraigned today on seven charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with Brisman’s death and another attack on a prostitute. Both women advertised their services on Craigslist, where Markoff, 23, found them. Prosecutors say fingerprints and video footage link Markoff to the crimes. More»

(NEWSER) - Craigslist has agreed to dump its “erotic services” ads, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced today. In their place will be a new employee-reviewed adult category. The site has been under pressure to act in response to the so-called "Craigslist killer" case, in which a Boston premed student is accused of killing a masseuse he found through an ad on the site. Madigan, along with AGs from Connecticut and Missouri, met with site officials last week, arguing that the erotic services ads often promoted illegal services. More»

New charges expected early this week

(NEWSER) - Authorities in Rhode Island plan to charge murder suspect Philip Markoff with a third Craigslist-related crime, CBS News reports. Markoff, 23, is expected to be charged in the robbery of a stripper who was held at gunpoint in a RI hotel room; police say his fingerprints match those found at the scene. Charges and the start of extradition proceedings should come early this week. More»

Philip Markoff strapped into the latest anti-suicide jail fashion

(NEWSER) - Ever since he apparently tried to hang himself last week with his shoelaces, accused Craigslist killer Philip Markoff has been strapped into a padded restraint suit in jail designed to stop further attempts, reports Gawker. The "Ferguson Safety Smock" is aimed at keeping "problem inmates from hurting themselves and creating more headaches for you and your colleagues," the Ferguson company web site informs law enforcement and mental health authorities. More»